Montessori, Reggio, or Waldorf: Which Approach is Best For Your Child?
By Megan Haynes
Making a decision on the right preschool for your child can feel overwhelming. Especially in a place like Fort Collins where we are lucky to have so many wonderfully vibrant and inspiring schools. There are many factors to consider including the curriculum, education of the teachers, location, size, hours available, outdoor playground, etc.
To start, here’s a quick comparison of the Montessori, Reggio, and Waldorf styles along with a list of specific preschools in Fort Collins.
Montessori
Photo credit: How we Montessori
Montessori Philosophy
“Follow the child” -- A Montessori classroom is carefully put together to allow the child to work independently and enjoy self-discovery.
There is a focus on academics, but the main idea is that children learn at their own pace.
Create individualize learning plans for your unique child’s needs and interests.
Believe independence and self-directed learning are important concepts and goals to work towards
Parental involvement
Occasional
Extracurricular
Classroom Environment
An orderly environment assists your child in developing mental order and intelligence
Students work with unique to Montessori materials and manipulatives
Who’s it for?
Many parents choose Montessori who want their children to acquire leadership skills and independence in a multi-age setting.
Montessori Schools in Fort Collins:
Reggio Emilia
Photo credit: Nature provocation
Reggio Emilia Philosophy
Project-based curriculum with units based on students’ interests
Children encouraged to explore and play through inquiries and provocations
Expressive arts - children use many different methods to express their thoughts, creativity, and understanding: pretend-play, drawing, music, dance, movement, sculpture, painting, and drama.
Reggio Emilia schools document what kids do by way of video, photos, and written observations.
Parental involvement
Occasional
Parents might offer expertise on topic of study
Classroom Environment:
Classrooms are designed with natural light, order, and beauty
The environment is the third teacher and is recognized for its potential to inspire children.
Authentic tools and materials
Who’s it for?
For parents who want their child to be a good citizen may choose a Reggio-inspired school. Through the many projects, children learn about cooperation, problem-solving, and how to resolve conflicts with others.
Reggio Emilia Schools in Fort Collins
Waldorf
Photo credit: Moon Child
Waldorf Philosophy
Play-based with a dependable routine. Certain days of the week for baking or gardening.
Emphasis on liberal arts of creative learning, reading, singing, acting, etc.
Children spend a lot of time outdoors
Children are not allowed to wear media characters and no electronics or technology
Parental involvement
Frequent
Extracurricular
Classroom Environment:
Home-like environment with natural materials (silk curtains, wool rugs, wooden tables, chairs, etc.
Waldorf specific arts and crafts: pressing flowers, carving pumpkins, making "birds nests” lanterns, pinecones dipped in melted beeswax, making crowns from felt and yarn, baking bread, needle work, etc.
Who’s it for?
Parents may choose Waldorf because they want their child to develop individualism in a cooperative, creative, routine-based setting.
Waldorf Schools in Fort Collins
The other school I will mention is the Arts & Imagination Preschool. This fine-arts based preschool blends many things from Waldorf, Reggio, and Montessori.
Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback. Also, here's a list of all of the preschool options in Fort Collins. I'd love to hear from you! megan@rootsandwingsfc.com